10 reasons we STILL love Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple has been having a rough time, after a late-night shooting July 5 left seven people injured. Every Friday and Saturday night since, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has swooped in to prevent further violence.

But Broad Ripple Village is much more than a haven for drunken young adults. During the day, the neighborhood is a different scene, filled with kids in strollers, shoppers from the suburbs, good food and dogs, lots of dogs.

It's almost as though there are two Broad Ripples — one by day and one by night.

Here's a list of 10 reasons why we still love Broad Ripple.

1. It's family friendly. So these kids may not be hanging out at LandSharks or Mineshaft come midnight, but most of the non-bar establishments in Broad Ripple welcome children with open arms. It's a great place to go for a quick neighborhood walk, with plenty of places to stop for a snack or a drink of water. Come December, the Lights Up Broad Ripple Holiday Celebration is a hometown holiday parade.

2. Indianapolis Fire Station 32. It's hard to imagine a more picturesque fire station. The oldest fire station in the city still in use, the Tudor-style building no longer houses an engine. But that doesn't keep locals from rallying to its cause every time there's a whiff of a rumor that it may close.

3. The Monon Trail and The Central Canal. Both a river (well a canal) and a trail run through Broad Ripple. The canal isn't navigable, but it adds a certain charm. The Monon Trail, however, offers would-be visitors the option of biking or walking and not having to worry about that Broad Ripple bane, parking.

4. Independent stores. Some old standbys like Chelsea's Gifts may have closed, but other favorites remain such as Artifacts and Marigold with its fan base of Mari-gals. On the more down-to-earth side, you can still head to owner-run stores like Sasha's Watch & Jewelry to get a timepiece repaired or Kimmel Shoe Repair for new soles.

5. Broad Ripple Farmer's Market. Open Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon through Thanksgiving, the Broad Ripple Farmer's Market is one of the largest around with nearly 70 vendors during the course of its season. Sip a coffee from Hubbard & Cravens, munch a pastry from Rene's Bakery and watch the parade of dog-walkers and baby-wearers search for fresh produce.

6. Indianapolis Art Center. Located just north of the Village on the Monon Trail, the Art Center is a place to look at and create art. Classes range from print making to jewelry to glass blowing. And every spring they hold the Broad Ripple Art Fair, where hundreds of vendors come selling their one-of-a-kind creations.

7. The Mpozi Mural. Indianapolis Star photographer Mpozi Tolbert died in 2006 at age 34. But his likeness lives on in an alley off of Guilford Avenue just north of Broad Ripple Avenue. Tolbert was tall, but this version by artist Ben Long stands 15 feet and has angel wings.

8. Sno Zone. Located on the corner of Westfield and Winthrop Avenues, this summer-time shaved ice stand is a gathering point in warmer weather. Try one of the many flavors — many of which come in neon colors — or go traditional with an ice cream instead.

9. The Bark Park. Broad Ripple isn't just for humans. Canines can have a great time there as well, heading for a romp in the Broad Ripple Park Bark Park, once they have their pooch pass. And if all that running, barking and panting leaves your dog hungry, treat him or her to a snack at the Three Dog Bakery.

10. Guilford Avenue Bridge. Located just north of the Fire Station, the Guilford Avenue Bridge spans the Central Canal and provides a lovely view whichever way you look. Some like to feed the ducks in the canal below, but others say feeding the ducks encourages them to hang out in Broad Ripple. Because who doesn't enjoy just hanging out in Broad Ripple?